Commerce Untold

Eitan Koter
  • 5.0 (22)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED DAILY

Commerce Untold goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories shaping eCommerce and retail today. Hosted by Eitan Koter, the show dives into every layer of modern commerce, from digital innovation and retail media to brand building, marketplaces, social commerce, live shopping, customer experience, and emerging technologies. Each episode features founders, CMOs, retail and e-commerce leaders, and operators sharing what actually drives growth behind the scenes. The wins, the missteps, the strategies, and the untold insights you won’t hear anywhere else. If you care about how products are built, marketed, sold, fulfilled and experienced in today’s rapidly evolving commerce landscape, this podcast is for you.

  1. 207. The 80/20 Rule That Saves Your Business ft. Tarkan Salar

    3H AGO

    207. The 80/20 Rule That Saves Your Business ft. Tarkan Salar

    Eitan Koter sits down with Tarkan Salar, founder of Smart Concepts and the consultancy Can't Stop Me, who has spent 30 years working with brands like Louis Vuitton, Zara and Adidas and has shaped over 50 million units from factory floor to checkout. Tarkan's take is pretty straightforward. Most D2C brands are bleeding money in the wrong places and blaming marketing for it. He breaks down why marketing is no longer the edge it used to be and what founders should be focusing on instead: product positioning, operational clarity and finding their blue ocean. They get into the 80/20 bestseller engine, how to spot your hero products, why too many SKUs is quietly killing your margins, and how to pick the right suppliers before you even think about placing an order. Tarkan also shares how he builds a custom brand filter for each founder that helps every business decision become a lot cleaner and faster. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Tarkan Salar, Founder, Smart concepts GmbH Tarkan Salar’s LinkedIn Takeaways: Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean marketsProfitability and operational efficiencyProduct testing and hero productsStrategic filtering and brand positioningImpact of AI on marketing and logistics Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tarkan Salar and Smart Concepts 01:38 The Shift from Marketing to Operational Clarity 06:02 Understanding Blue Ocean vs. Red Ocean Strategies 09:14 The 80/20 Bestseller Engine Explained 14:21 Transitioning from Red Ocean to Blue Ocean 19:41 Product Innovation and Brand Voice 24:08 Overview of Smart Concepts and Consulting Process

    29 min
  2. 206. Why Your 3PL Is Killing Your Business ft. Leo Rodriguez

    MAY 6

    206. Why Your 3PL Is Killing Your Business ft. Leo Rodriguez

    Host, Eitan Koter is joined by Leo Rodriguez, Vice President at River Plate Inc., a fulfillment company with over 33 years of experience helping brands ship smarter. River Plate works with everyone from beauty and toy brands to influencer-led lifestyle companies, so Leo has seen pretty much everything. In this episode, Leo talks about why your 3PL should feel like a partner, not just a vendor, how to spot when something is going wrong before it becomes a bigger problem, and what fast growing brands usually get wrong when they start scaling. He also gets into how bundling, returns, and data dashboards all connect back to keeping customers coming back. If your fulfillment partner feels more like a vendor than a partner, this episode will tell you exactly why that's costing you. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Leo Rodriguez, Vice President, River Plate, Inc. Leo Rodriguez’s LinkedIn | River Plate, Inc. Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/U3NQCo3Kvak Takeaways: Price is the worst reason to pick a 3PLGet your 3PL involved before you're ready to shipMulti-carrier shipping saves real money at scaleYour fulfillment data is a goldmine, start using itSlow returns processing loses you customersTrack speed, accuracy and chargebacks, everything else is noiseProactive beats reactive every single time Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to River Plate and Logistics 02:00 Choosing the Right 3PL: Common Mistakes 06:25 Optimizing Shipping Costs and Customer Experience 12:03 Creating High-Performing Fulfillment Operations 14:37 Scaling Operations for Fast-Growing Brands 17:41 The Role of 3PLs in Customer Retention 20:09 Key Performance Indicators for Logistics 22:12 Identifying Red Flags in 3PL Performance 25:30 Future Trends in Logistics and E-commerce 27:32 Target Customers for River Plate 30:46 How to Connect with River Plate

    32 min
  3. 205. Your Ads Are Failing And Here’s Why ft. Pamela Wagner

    APR 29

    205. Your Ads Are Failing And Here’s Why ft. Pamela Wagner

    In this episode of Commerce Untold, Eitan Koter sits down with Pamela Wagner, Founder and CEO of Ajala Digital, a Google Partner agency that has helped thousands of businesses grow through paid advertising. They get into a real conversation about what is actually working in ads today and what is not. Pamela explains why many brands struggle when they try to scale too fast. Small changes in budget can make a big difference, and constant adjustments can hurt performance more than help it. They also talk about why ads alone are not enough anymore. People need to see a brand multiple times before they trust it. That could be through content, reviews, or videos across different platforms The conversation also covers the difference between Google and Meta, how each one fits into the customer journey, and why understanding that matters. They touch on attribution as well. Sometimes the simplest way to understand what works is not another tool, but asking customers directly or even turning a channel off to see what happens. It is a straightforward conversation that helps make sense of what to fix first before spending more. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Pamela Wagner, Founder/CEO at Ajala Digital Pamela Wagner’s LinkedIn | Ajala Digital Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/G5uqVPTLS7w Takeaways: Algorithm changes and AI impact on ad platformsStrategies for scaling paid campaigns effectivelyThe role of organic marketing in paid ad success Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Agila Digital and Pamela Wagner 01:21 The Evolution of Advertising Strategies 03:28 Balancing Budget and Scaling in Advertising 06:09 The Importance of Organic Growth 07:44 Building Trust Through Multi-Platform Engagement 09:29 Meta vs. Google: Understanding Platform Differences 11:41 Navigating Policy Violations in Advertising 15:18 Exploring New Advertising Channels 18:49 The Role of YouTube in Marketing Strategies 21:19 Attribution Challenges in Advertising 23:52 Testing and Experimentation in Campaigns 25:30 Pamela's Journey with Agila Digital 28:04 Creative Strategies in Advertising 29:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

    29 min
  4. 204. Smarter Ads That Profit ft. Matt Raminick

    APR 17

    204. Smarter Ads That Profit ft. Matt Raminick

    Eitan Koter is joined by Matt Raminick, Founder and CEO of Sunnyside, to talk about what’s really going on behind performance marketing numbers. They start with a simple idea, strong ROAS doesn’t always mean a healthy business. Matt explains how brands often rely too much on platform data without connecting it back to real revenue and costs. The conversation moves into what to focus on instead, like profitability at the order level, total marketing efficiency, and how to think about acquiring new customers the right way. They also cover a common mistake, pushing too hard for growth without checking if the spend actually makes sense. Matt shares how brands can reset and build a more stable approach. Towards the end, they talk about how much creative is needed today, how fast things move on Meta, and why keeping things simple with tools and data still works best. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Matt Raminick, Founder & CEO at Sunnyside Matt Raminick’s LinkedIn | Sunnyside Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/wOb3OmkBm-c Takeaways: Performance marketing metrics that matterThe importance of diversification in marketing channelsBuilding sustainable and profitable brands Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sunnyside and Its Unique Approach 02:26 Understanding ROAS and Profitability Metrics 05:15 The Importance of Customer Acquisition Costs 07:49 Net Contribution Margins and Their Impact 10:35 Transitioning from Brand to Agency 13:33 Creative Strategies in Performance Marketing 16:25 Balancing Growth and Profitability 18:44 Diversification in Marketing Channels 21:28 Tools and Technology for Performance Marketing 24:15 Ideal Customer Profile for Sunnyside 26:54 Creative Production and AI in Marketing 28:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    31 min
  5. 203. Why Paid Ads Are Breaking Your Business ft. Adam Callinan

    APR 10

    203. Why Paid Ads Are Breaking Your Business ft. Adam Callinan

    There’s a point where more revenue doesn’t mean more profit. And that’s where things start to break. In this episode, Eitan Koter is joined by Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane, to talk about how ecommerce brands can actually make money, not just grow. Adam explains why many businesses look successful on the surface but struggle behind the scenes. He breaks down how to think about costs, margins, and the real drivers of profit in a way that’s easy to follow. The conversation also covers how founders should approach different stages of growth. What to focus on early, how to think about hiring, and why keeping things simple for as long as possible can make a big difference. They also touch on paid media, what founders often get wrong, and how to tell if it’s truly working. It’s a practical look at building a business that works long term, not just one that looks good from the outside. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Adam Callinan, Founder/CEO at Pentane Adam Callinan’s LinkedIn | Pentane Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/hWTnZpio-_c Takeaways: Importance of contribution margin over revenueThe profit pyramid and financial structuringStages of business growth and cash flow managementThe role of AI and automation in operational efficiencyBuilding trust and onboarding clients in SaaS solutions Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Values 02:50 Balancing Curiosity and Leadership 05:41 Understanding Revenue and Profitability 08:31 The Profit Pyramid Explained 11:29 Navigating Cash Flow Challenges 14:18 The Importance of Staying Lean 17:05 Paid Media Strategies for Founders 19:58 Identifying Negative Trends in Business 22:45 Efficiency and Technology in Operations 25:44 Overview of Pentane and Its Offerings 28:34 Building Trust and Customer Engagement 30:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    31 min
  6. 202. Why TikTok Beats Instagram for Sales ft. Íñigo Rivero

    APR 3

    202. Why TikTok Beats Instagram for Sales ft. Íñigo Rivero

    Eitan Koter is joined by Íñigo Rivero, co-founder and managing director at House of Marketeers, a global TikTok Marketing Agency. They talk about how the platform has shifted over time, from a place for visibility to something much closer to a sales channel. Íñigo explains why many brands still approach influencer marketing the wrong way, and what actually drives results. The discussion covers the role of authentic content, why engagement matters more than follower count, and how TikTok’s algorithm gives new brands a chance to get seen. They also break down how TikTok Shop is opening up new opportunities for both brands and creators, and how social commerce is becoming easier to track and scale. It’s a clear conversation on what brands should focus on if they want to make TikTok work for them. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Íñigo Rivero, Co-Founder & Managing Director at House of Marketers Íñigo Rivero’s LinkedIn | House of Marketers Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/V_DA-VWIt8M Takeaways: Resilience is crucial for personal and business growth.Growth often comes from mistakes and tough feedback.TikTok's authenticity sets it apart from other platforms.Social commerce is the future of TikTok.The algorithm prioritizes engaging content over follower count.Brands can expand internationally through TikTok Shop.Forecasting is essential for scaling a business effectively.Health and beauty products perform well on TikTok.Understanding local markets is key for international brands.Influencer marketing requires a balance of creativity and strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Influencer Marketing and Resilience 02:44 The Evolution of TikTok and Its Unique Appeal 05:15 The Rise of Social Commerce on TikTok 08:01 Influencer Marketing Strategies and TikTok Shop 10:33 The Importance of Authenticity and Engagement 13:16 SEO and Discovery on TikTok 15:56 House of Marketeers: Agency Insights and Growth 18:53 Navigating International Markets with TikTok 21:38 Challenges in Influencer Marketing and Agency Growth 24:17 Building a High-Performing Team in a Remote Environment 27:00 Conclusion and Future of Influencer Marketing

    29 min
  7. 201. Retail Strategy Tips Every Ecommerce Founder Needs ft. Rebekah Kondrat

    MAR 27

    201. Retail Strategy Tips Every Ecommerce Founder Needs ft. Rebekah Kondrat

    Welcome to Commerce Untold. In this episode, host Eitan Koter sits down with Rebekah Kondrat, Founder of Recon Retail, a company that helps ecommerce and DTC brands launch and scale physical stores. Rebekah has worked with brands like Apple, Starbucks, Warby Parker, Outdoor Voices, and Joybird. Today, she partners with growing brands that are ready to expand beyond online sales and build retail the right way. Together, they unpack the idea that retail is dying. Rebekah explains that most purchases still happen in person and that brands cannot rely on a single channel anymore. Online only brands are opening stores, and store based brands must strengthen their ecommerce presence. The future is about making both work together. She shares when a DTC brand should consider opening its first store, why revenue around 10 million dollars can be a helpful benchmark, and why your first location should be close enough for leadership to stay connected to customers. They also discuss what separates profitable stores from the rest, how product selection should vary by region, and why operations can make or break the retail experience. If you are thinking about expanding from ecommerce into physical retail, this episode gives you a clear place to start. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Rebekah Kondrat, Founder and Managing Partner at rekon retail Rebekah Kondrat’s LinkedIn | rekon retail Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/e7-kvX3Qe4g Takeaways: Retail is still a significant part of the economy, despite the rise of e-commerce.Brands need to evolve and adapt to stay relevant in the retail space.A multi-channel approach is essential for modern brands.Recon Retail acts as an embedded partner to help brands open physical stores.Successful retail operations require a focus on customer experience and operational efficiency.The role of retail staff is evolving beyond traditional sales roles.AI can streamline retail operations and enhance customer interactions.Brands should consider their first store location carefully to maximize learning and engagement.Every store should be designed to be profitable, not just as a marketing tool.Understanding customer demographics and preferences is crucial for retail success. Chapters: 00:00 The Resilience of Retail 03:48 Evolving with the Industry 09:47 Recon Retail's Unique Approach 15:36 Building Successful Retail Operations 21:55 The Future of Retail Staff 25:25 Innovations in Retail Experience 29:10 Identifying Ideal Customers

    32 min
  8. 200. The Truth About Creator Marketing ROI with Megan Vasquez

    FEB 19

    200. The Truth About Creator Marketing ROI with Megan Vasquez

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Megan Vasquez, Director of Creator Strategy and Strategic Marketing at Grin. Megan shares what she has learned from working across beauty brands, agencies, and large e-commerce companies. Creator marketing is no longer a side project. It is expected to deliver results. They cover how to forecast revenue from influencers, how to align campaign goals with the right creators, and why reducing friction in the buying process makes a big difference. Megan also talks about TikTok Shop, affiliate strategy, and the importance of long term creator relationships. If you want a clearer view of how creator marketing drives sales today, this episode is worth listening to. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Megan Vasquez, Director of Creator Strategy & Strategic Marketing at GRIN Megan Vasquez’s LinkedIn | GRIN Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/4J9Dit-kIC4 Takeaways: The creator economy is evolving and growing rapidly.Data-driven marketing is essential for success in the creator space.AI can help streamline processes and enhance creativity.TikTok has revolutionized e-commerce and product discovery.Brands must focus on building authentic relationships with creators.Neglecting brand affinity can lead to poor performance in campaigns.Long-term contracts with creators foster trust and better results.Clicks and audience sentiment are crucial KPIs for campaigns.User-generated content often outperforms traditional marketing.Grin is focused on meeting market needs with innovative solutions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Creator Economy 02:29 The Evolution of the Creator Economy 05:18 Data-Driven Marketing in the Creator Space 08:14 Balancing Self-Service and Hand-Holding in SaaS 11:08 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation 13:49 The Impact of TikTok on Social Shopping 16:45 Common Mistakes in Creator Programs 19:49 Building Long-Term Relationships with Creators 22:47 Key Performance Indicators for Campaign Success 25:26 Future Plans for Grin and the Creator Economy

    32 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Commerce Untold goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories shaping eCommerce and retail today. Hosted by Eitan Koter, the show dives into every layer of modern commerce, from digital innovation and retail media to brand building, marketplaces, social commerce, live shopping, customer experience, and emerging technologies. Each episode features founders, CMOs, retail and e-commerce leaders, and operators sharing what actually drives growth behind the scenes. The wins, the missteps, the strategies, and the untold insights you won’t hear anywhere else. If you care about how products are built, marketed, sold, fulfilled and experienced in today’s rapidly evolving commerce landscape, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Eitan Koter
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Eitan Koter
  • Show Website
    Commerce Untold